Third quarter analysis: First career TD reception for Logan Thomas keeps Bills ahead

The Bills' offense rebounded from its end-of-half meltdown with an eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive that was capped by the first career receiving touchdown for tight end Logan Thomas, who began the conversion from quarterback to tight end last season.

The Buccaneers answered with an impressive drive of their own, going 70 yards on seven plays as Jameis Winston connected with a wide open O.J. Howard for 7-yard touchdown, which was the second of Howard's career. He was selected 19th overall in this year's draft. What was most impressive about the drive was that it came after a 53-yard pass to DeSean Jackson was called back by a holding penalty. No problem for Winston, who followed it with gains of 17 and 23 before the touchdown.

Well-deserved: Bills fans gave a partial standing ovation to Zay Jones after he logged his first catch of the game in the third quarter. Jones, a rookie, has struggled with drops early in his career and had another bad one late in the second quarter. Taylor targeted Jones six times Sunday before they connected for a completion. He entered the game with five receptions on 23 targets.

Gaines down: Cornerback E.J. Gaines was declared out for the game with a hamstring injury suffered in the third quarter. He was limited in practice earlier this week with a groin injury.

Nick Veronica– Nick Veronica joined The News in 2013 and began covering the Bills in 2016. He is a Buffalo native and a graduate of Canisius College. You can follow him on Twitter @NickVeronica and on Facebook at fb.com/ByNickVeronica.